Just-released man quickly back in jail in vehicle burglary

Suspect arrested 2 days after release on 30-day term

Napoleonville — A Pierre Part man released from jail on Wednesday was arrested Friday in an investigation of multiple vehicle burglaries and other crimes, Assumption Parish Sheriff Mike Waguespack said.

Rhett Cavalier, 40, 639 Shell Beach Road, was booked Friday on three counts of simple burglary, one count of criminal damage to property valued at more than $1,000 and violation of a protective order, Waguespack said.

Sheriff’s detectives received several burglary and criminal damage to property complaints in Pierre Part on Thursday, Waguespack said.

One La. 70 resident, Waguespack said, reported the theft of a GPS receiver and a radar detector, while a Simone Street resident told deputies that a radar detector and sunglasses were stolen from his vehicle.

The Simone Street resident also said he found the hood of his truck open and “it appeared his carburetor and gas tank were filled with water,” Waguespack said.

The victim suspected Cavalier because Cavalier had just gotten out of jail the day before and the victim’s sister had a protective order against Cavalier, the sheriff said.

The burglary victim lives with his sister and Cavalier had been ordered by the court to stay away from that residence, Waguespack said.

Another victim at the Simone Street residence said prescription drugs were stolen from his vehicle, he said.

Investigators received information that a man fitting Cavalier’s description had attempted to sell some of the stolen items to a customer at a convenience store, Waguespack said. Cavalier was arrested after a search of his home tuned up the missing sunglasses and medicine, he said.

Cavalier remained in the Assumption Parish Detention Center Friday awaiting bail to be set, Waguespack said.

Cavalier had been released from custody on Wednesday after serving a 30-day jail term imposed after he pleaded guilty June 29 to charges of simple criminal trespassing, disturbing the peace, simple criminal damage to property under $500, three counts of simple assault, simple battery and three counts of resisting arrest in connection with a March 27 arrest, Waguespack said.

Cavalier was ordered to stay away from the victim of his assault, Waguespack said.

Cavalier was released from his 30-day jail sentence early because he was given credit for time served before he pleaded guilty, Waguespack said.